Second 3 1/2 years

Abomination of Desolation

You could say that this event takes place at the end of the first 3 1/2 years or one might say that it is the start of the second half of 3 1/2 years. Both would be correct as the abomination of desolation happens in the middle.

The final 3 1/2 years will not be as good as the first 3 1/2 years according to the Bible. There are several things that have to happen according to the scripture during this time that will effect most of the world.

Animal Sacrifices Stop

The Bible teaches that the Antichrist will stop the animal sacrifices at the time he stands in the temple claiming to be God (abomination of desolation). (Daniel 9:27)

The Great Tribulation

The final 3 1/2 years will be the a time of great tribulation.

The Bible teaches that the Antichrist will be given power for the remaining 3 1/2 years to make war against the saints. (Daniel 7:25), (Revelation 13:7)

Once the Antichrist stands in the temple and claims to be God (abomination of desolation), we will either already have a one world government or he will be close to establishing it.

The Bible calls for those Jews living in Judaea (modern day west bank) to flee into the mountains. (Matthew 24:16) The reason is that this land will be given to the Palestinians.

The Bible says that following the abomination of desolation, there will be great tribulation as had never been seen before. (Matthew 24:21)

The Two Witnesses

The Bible tells of two witnesses who are given power from God that will prophesy for 1,260 days (3 1/2 years). We know that this is the second half of the final seven years because the temple has already been built. How do we know the temple has been built at this time? Answer: Verse 1 of chapter 11 in Revelation, Jesus tells John to go and measure the temple... He would not be able to measure a temple that was not there. Verse 2 says that the holy city (Jerusalem) will be tread under foot for forty and two months (3 1/2 years).

The Bible also says that anyone who harms either of the two witnesses will be killed. (Revelation 11:5)

These two witnesses will have power to stop the rain from falling from heaven and to turn water into blood. They will also be able to smite the earth with plagues whenever they choose to. (Revelation 11:6)

The beast (Antichrist) will make war with the two witnesses and will overcome them and kill them according to the scripture. Their dead bodies will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for three days and no one will even attempt to bury their bodies. People will rejoice at their death and celebrate with gifts because they are dead.

After three and one half days of them laying in the street untouched, God will raise them from the dead and all who see them alive will be smitten with fear. They will then ascend into Heaven in a cloud.

(Revelation 11:7-12)

Jesus Returns

Jesus said, "29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

(Matthew 24:29-30)